Australian Capital Territory Current Acts

ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 1992 - SECT 4A

    (1)     The main objects of this Act are to recognise that—

        (a)     animals are sentient beings that are able to subjectively feel and perceive the world around them; and

        (b)     animals have intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with compassion and have a quality of life that reflects their intrinsic value; and

        (c)     people have a duty to care for the physical and mental welfare of animals.

    (2)     This is to be achieved particularly by—

        (a)     promoting and protecting the welfare of animals; and

        (b)     providing for the proper and humane care, management and treatment of animals; and

        (c)     deterring and preventing animal cruelty and the abuse and neglect of animals; and

        (d)     enforcing laws about the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).